"The European Union, Britain, and Scotland: Cooperation, conflict, or compromise?"

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving relationship between Scotland and the European Union given the dual dynamics of devolution in Scotland and the United Kingdom's greater integration into the EU. At first glance, devolution and increased European integration would appear to have opposite affects since the former provides the constitutional means for the decentralization of power in Britain, while the latter seemingly allocates more authority to the British government and the institutional framework of the EU. It is argued here, however, that European integration and devolution are not only complementary, but are intricately intertwined with one another. Political institutions created in Scotland under Labour's devolutionary scheme has given Scotland new access to the policy process in Brussels, while encouraging supranational and subnational cooperation between the political institutions of the EU and Scotland. This research begins with a brief examination of the evolving association between the EU and its regions. Focusing on the institutional framework of the EU and the Scottish Parliament and Executive, this paper than turns to consider how these institutions, when combined with polities such as subsidiarity, are influencing the creation of public policy at the subnational (Scotland), national (Britain), and supranational (EU) levels. Next, case studies from the public and private sectors are utilized to demonstrate the development of a "Westminster bypass" that is allowing Scottish interests to play an increasingly influential role in supranational policymaking. Finally, the ramifications of these dynamics upon the relationship between Scotland and Britain are considered.